Colombia Earthquake Death Toll Hits 240 with 2,700 Missing

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia has killed at least 240 people and left over 2,700 reported missing, marking the country's strongest seismic event in two decades.

The disaster damaged or destroyed approximately 1,600 buildings, including hospital floors in Cali and a historic cathedral in Manizales, with 700 people injured in Valle del Cauca alone.

President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a state of emergency and deployed the military to assist in rescue efforts, particularly in the remote Choco region where access remains difficult.